Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations. While every construction accident is specific to the unique situation, certain types of San Antonio construction accident injuries are more common than others. If you are a construction worker who has been injured at work, an experienced construction accident attorney at Felix Gonzalez Law is on your side and standing by to help.
Construction sites can be chaotic scenes, with different crew members utilizing heavy equipment, power tools, harnesses, and more. In San Antonio, some of the most common categories of construction accidents that lead to serious injuries are:
Any type of construction work is risky work, and when injuries happen, they can change the course of a worker’s life.
Construction accidents can cause severe injuries, including:
Falls and accidents in San Antonio that involve being struck by heavy construction equipment commonly result in severe injuries, including broken bones. A fractured bone is an exceptionally painful injury that is slow to heal and can lead to serious complications. When a broken bone does not heal correctly, it can have lasting health implications. Prime examples include decreased range of motion in the affected body part and chronic pain.
Electrocutions often cause life-threatening burns. Serious burns are prone to dangerous infections and are some of the most painful injuries that accidents on a construction site can cause. Burn injuries generally require specialized care, such as in a burn unit.
As burns heal, the skin becomes thicker and more rigid, which can cause complications related to circulation or can even interfere with breathing when a large burn circles the torso. Additionally, a burn can be permanently disfiguring, even with treatment, which can cause considerable emotional pain and suffering.
Spinal cord injuries can be the result of falls, struck-by or stuck-in-between accidents, or virtually any class of construction accident. Even a relatively minor spinal cord injury can be extremely painful and can lead to a serious decline in range of motion. When the spinal cord is severed, crushed, or otherwise seriously damaged, however, the outcome is permanent paralysis, which is a life-altering condition.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in falls and vehicular crashes, including accidents involving construction trucks and other types of work-related vehicles. Because TBIs affect the brain, they can have a profound impact on the lives of their victims. Not only do brain injuries require extensive treatment, but they can limit an individual’s ability to work or enjoy life.
Various kinds of internal injuries can happen as a result of being stuck between two unyielding objects, such as in trench accidents on construction sites. Internal injuries often hide in plain sight because the symptoms can be slow to emerge, and there may be no physical signs of injury. Waiting to seek medical care can amplify the risk involved.
There are three main avenues when recovering damages for different kinds of construction accident injuries in San Antonio: workers’ compensation, non-subscriber lawsuits, and third-party lawsuits.
Workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who have been injured at work, regardless of fault. This no-fault system can cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. However, if your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, as state law allows, you may have the option to file a non-subscriber lawsuit. In this case, you would need to prove negligence on the part of your employer to seek full compensation for your injuries.
Additionally, if a third party, such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer, contributed to your construction site injury, you may have grounds for a third-party lawsuit. These lawsuits can help you recover damages not covered by workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering.
If you have sustained one of the many types of San Antonio construction accident injuries, the lawyers at Felix Gonzalez Law are committed to fiercely advocating for your rights and your fair compensation. To learn more about what we can do to help, call today.
